2024: The Year Podcasting Went Off the Rails (and Straight into the Future)
Oh, podcasting. What a ride you’ve taken us on this year. From AI co-hosts who never stop talking (literally, they don’t breathe) to every podcaster suddenly deciding they’re also a YouTuber, 2024 has been nothing short of a whirlwind for creators, listeners, and those of us lucky enough to watch it all unfold.
Here at Evolved Podcasting, we’ve had front-row seats to the chaos, and we’re here to give you the play-by-play of this bonkers year. Plus, we’ll dust off our crystal mic and forecast what 2025 might look like in the world of podcasting.
2024 in Podcasting: Highlights, Lowlights, and AI Overlords
1. Video Took Over—Whether You Liked It or Not
If 2024 had a mantra, it was: “If it’s not on YouTube, does it even exist?” Podcasts fully embraced video this year, with 31% of weekly U.S. podcast listeners tuning in via YouTube, dethroning Spotify and Apple Podcasts. What started as simple webcam recordings quickly escalated to full-on cinematic productions. Some podcasters even swapped out their mics for green screens, transforming their shows into Marvel-level CGI experiences.
2. AI Took the Wheel (And the Script)
Artificial intelligence stormed onto the scene this year, churning out podcast scripts, editing episodes, and even mimicking hosts' voices. Sure, it made podcast production faster, but it also gave us… well, let’s just say interesting results. There was the AI-generated podcast about knitting that veered into existential philosophy (seriously, look it up), and let’s not forget the viral controversy over AI hosts mispronouncing “croissant” in 14 languages.
3. The Rich Got Richer (And Everyone Else Made Merch)
The podcasting gold rush showed no signs of slowing, with top creators signing massive deals that made the rest of us question our life choices. Meanwhile, smaller podcasters got creative—selling everything from branded mugs to custom ASMR recordings (don’t ask). The revenue gap widened, but so did the innovation. Turns out, you can monetize a podcast about competitive birdwatching if you really commit.
What’s Next? Predictions for 2025
1. Podcasts Will Go Fully Interactive
In 2025, podcasts won’t just be something you listen to—they’ll be something you experience. Imagine live polls during episodes, choose-your-own-adventure-style storytelling, or listeners submitting questions that the host answers in real-time. It’s like a podcast and a Twitch stream had a baby.
2. Social Media Synergy Will Be Non-Negotiable
2024 taught us that Instagram reels, TikTok clips, and Twitter threads are essential to growing a podcast. In 2025, social media and podcasting will become so intertwined that launching a podcast without a social strategy will feel like opening a restaurant without food. Spoiler: it won’t go well.
3. AI: More Friend, Less Frenemy
By next year, we predict AI will shift from “stealing our jobs” to becoming the ultimate podcasting assistant. Think automated transcription, perfect show notes, and maybe even real-time banter suggestions for those awkward pauses. Just don’t let it name your episodes—we’ve seen the chaos that causes.
4. Community Over Everything
The future isn’t just about numbers; it’s about connection. Podcasts that prioritize community engagement—whether through listener shoutouts, interactive forums, or live events—will dominate. Brands that focus on share of culture over share of voice will create deeper, more meaningful connections with their audiences.
